Coffee A Bean of History

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. So much so, that it may well sound like an absurdity to discuss such a popular drink.

Every conference in the world, including those that involve heads of states to decide on crucial international affairs, and social gatherings held regularly on every level, seem to be reduced down to meaningless events if there is no coffee on the tables.

Drinking coffee, with or without sugar or milk, has become so popular that even consumers take it as a matter of an accepted norm without considering what the black hot turbid drink is composed of. Big companies with brand names buy coffee from many countries in Africa, Latin America orAsiaand sell it in the world’s markets after processing and packing it under their own brands.

Consumers order a cup of coffee and taste it without having to worry about the real taste of genuine coffee. The sipping becomes so routine that anything sold at one cafe is no different from that served in another cafe, even in a silver or golden cup. But to be earnest, all coffee drinks are not the same everywhere.

Regardless of the number of times, or the different places, one might have sipped coffee, one may in earnest discover for the first time, if one drinks the Ethiopian coffee, and with good reason.

Coffee’s generic name is keffa – the name of the district where coffee was first discovered. A shepherd who was looking after his herd was amazed to see his goats frolicking after they chewed the stimulant berries. This discovery had led humans to do likewise and enjoy the effects.

This was followed by a protracted way of planting the seed and cultivating it, not only for domestic consumption, but also for export.

Legend has it that traders fromArabiadeveloped a special interest in the stimulant beans and had carried it with them everywhere they went for business. Thus, it became a global berry to be consumed, perhaps without bothering to know where it was discovered.

That question has to be answered adequately. Sure, coffee was first discovered inEthiopia.

On the surface of it all, the nameEthiopiacould indicate nothing more than an exporter of coffee, just likeUganda,Kenya,BrazilorColombiaand the like. But that is not true.

The nameEthiopiashould ring a bell in one’s mind beyond and above the origin of coffee. This East African country with a population of over 91 million people is also the homeland of the 3.2 million-year-old Homo Sapiens- the oldest ever discovered in the history of the world.

This is also a country with one of the best climatic conditions, favourable to both human life and wildlife. This is a country where days and nights are more or less equal in duration throughout the year.

With its Simien Mountain Range, which runs all the way from the country’s north-eastern highlands down to the south-western semi arid zones in the Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia has a unique landscape. Most of its Eastern parts are arid lowlands on the main.

The Great Rift Valley that starts in theMiddle Eastdissects the country diagonally, creating a massive gorge where several beautiful lakes are found. Over 8o nationalities and ethnic groups with different faiths and languages live together harmoniously in this beautiful country.

Sharing traditional and cultural values for thousands of years without being colonised by any foreign power is one ofEthiopia’s historical features to be proud of. Far beyond protecting its sovereignty,Ethiopiais also the first country to defeat the Italian invaders – at the battle ofAdwain 1896.Ethiopiahas also fought relentlessly to help other African countries to be free from the yokes of colonialism.

It has also played a significant role in sending peacekeeping forces wherever necessary. The country’s contribution towards the signing of the charter for the organisation of Africa Unity, which has now been promoted to the “African Union”, is immense.

On the social front,Ethiopiais the country that produced the first African athlete to win an Olympic Marathon, with the record being broke half a dozen times since. So much so that breaking long distance records has become the country’s tradition.

Therefore, discovering the genuine taste of coffee also helps you to discover a lot about the countryEthiopia, the origin of coffee. Of course, there are other dismal features that make the picture more complete, like any other country.

Coming back to where we started, coffee sipping inEthiopiais not just a routine daily engagement. It is far and beyond that. In the first place, coffee is consumed in almost every home in the country.

Coffee is valued more than a common drink. Traditionally, coffee is considered instrumental in bringing neighbours together and having a good time to discuss issues and social problems, or exchange experiences, not to speak of chatting and gossiping.

Making coffee is usually ceremonious and is given due time to roast, pound and make it. The cups are laid out well before the coffee is ready to be sipped.

A special seed of sorghum is also roasted like popcorn to be eaten as a snack along with the coffee. Usually elderly neighbours give blessings.

Coffee has become a major foreign exchange-earning source for many years now. Such a small thing that started in Keffa now has a global foothold.


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